Absorbent article

ABSTRACT

An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable top layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, and a liquid retentive absorbent member, interposed between the top layer and the back layer. The absorbent member is arranged to form an opposing pair of barrier cuffs which are within longitudinal edges of the top layer and extend along the longitudinal edges. A pocket portion is formed between the pair of barrier cuffs.

This application is the national phase under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCTInternational Application No. PCT/JP97/03816 which has an Internationalfiling date of Oct. 22, 1997 which designated the United States ofAmerica.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a sanitarynapkin, an incontinent pad, breastfeeding pad, and the like, including aliquid-permeable top layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, and aliquid-retentive absorbent core disposed between the top layer and theback layer. More particularly, the present invention is directed to anabsorbent article which is capable of preventing liquid leakageirrespective of the quantity of body fluid and motion of the wearer.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, absorbent articles such as a sanitary napkin, an incontinentpad, breastfeeding pad, and the like are known to include aliquid-permeable top layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, and aliquid-retentive absorbent core disposed between the top layer and theback layer. Such an absorbent article is required to cause body fluid,such as blood, urine, and the like, to rapidly migrate to the absorbentcore where it is absorbed and retained with no leakage.

In order to absorb and retain body fluid with no leakage, heretofore,there has been utilized an absorbent article, in which aliquid-preventive will is formed on each of the width-wise, left andright side portions so as to prevent leakage of unabsorbed body fluiddeposited on the surface of the top layer. These leakage-preventivewalls are formed by using a topsheet which constitutes the top layer ofthe absorbent article and a backsheet which constitutes the back layer,or by alternatively using a nonwoven fabric and a film-like material.

However, since such a liquid-preventive wall of the absorbent articleeither has no liquid absorbing/retentive properties or has only smallliquid absorbing/retentive properties, body fluid tends to leak beyondthe leakage-preventive walls when a large quantity of body fluid isdeposited on the surface of the top layer, caused by motion of the user,or the like.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention, to provide anabsorbent article which is capable of preventing the possible leakage ofbody fluid in a reliable manner, irrespective of the quantity of bodyfluid and motion of the wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has achieved the above objects by providing anabsorbent article comprising: a liquid-permeable top layer; aliquid-impermeable back layer; a liquid retentive absorbent member,interposed entirely between said the top layer and said the back layer,wherein the said absorbent member is being arranged to form (a) anopposing pair of barrier cuffs which are within longitudinal edges ofsaid top layer and extend along the longitudinal edges, said absorbentmember containing a single absorbent sheet, said pair of barrier cuffsbeing formed by integrally folding only the single absorbent sheet andsaid top layer, and (b) a pocket portion formed between said pair ofbarrier cuffs; and a projecting portion located between said barriercuffs on a skin contactable surface side of said pocket portion alongthe longitudinal direction of said barrier cuffs, said projectingportion being formed by an absorbent pad, wherein said absorbent sheethas a thickness of 0.3 mm to 5 mm.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawingswhich are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitativeof the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an absorbent article according to afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line I—I of FIG. 1, and viewed ina direction as indicated by arrows;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an absorbent article according tothe second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line V—V of FIG. 3, and viewed ina direction as indicated by arrows;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the firstembodiment, showing an absorbent article according to a third embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the firstembodiment, showing an absorbent article according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the firstembodiment, showing an absorbent article according to a fifth embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the firstembodiment, showing an absorbent article according to a sixth embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the firstembodiment, showing an absorbent article according to another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the firstembodiment, showing an absorbent article according to another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the firstembodiment, showing an absorbent article according to another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the firstembodiment, showing an absorbent article according to another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the firstembodiment, showing an absorbent article according to another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the firstembodiment, showing an absorbent article according to another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 8 of the sixthembodiment showing an absorbent article according to another embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the absorbent memberaccording to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Several embodiments of the absorbent article of the present inventionwill now be described specifically with reference to the drawings. Inany one of the first to seventh embodiments, a liquid-permeable topsheet is used as a top layer and a liquid-impermeable back sheet is usedas a back layer.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a sanitary napkin as the firstembodiment of an absorbent article of the present invention, and FIG. 2is a sectional view, taken along line I—I of FIG. 1 and viewed in adirection as indicated by arrows.

A sanitary napkin 1 according to this embodiment includes aliquid-permeable top layer 10, a liquid-impermeable back layer 20, and aliquid-retentive absorbent member 30 interposed between the top layer 10and the back layer 20. This construction is the same as the prior art.

As shown in FIG. 1 or 2, in the sanitary napkin 1 according to thisembodiment, the absorbent member 30 is arranged to form an opposing pairof absorbent barrier cuffs 40, 40 which are within the longitudinaledges of the top layer 10 and extend along the longitudinal edges, andto form a pocket portion 50 between the pair of barrier cuffs 40, 40.

This embodiment will now be described in more detail. The absorbentmember 30 comprises an absorbent sheet 31 having a thickness of 0.3 mmto 5 mm. The absorbent sheet 31 is formed by bending a sheet whichcomprises a central portion 31 a and a pair of side portions 31 b, 31 beach connected to each opposing side of the central portion 31 a. Theside portions 31 b,31 b are folded back to the back layer 20 side at theopposing sides of the central portion 31 a and then further folded backso as to be overlaid upon the back layer 20. The side portions 31 b, 31b are arranged opposite and away from each other on the back layer 20side of the central portion 31 a. Free edge portions of the sideportions 31 b, 31 b are each arranged in the vicinity of each of theleft and right opposing side edges of the back layer 20. The absorbentsheet of the barrier cuffs 40,40 is folded in an overlapping, serpentineconfiguration. The folding portions of the absorbent sheet 31 arelocated along the longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin 1 andoverlaid in multiple layers at prescribed distant locations from theleft and right opposing side edges of the top layer 10.

Almost an entire surface of the absorbent sheet 31 is overlaid by thetop layer 10, and the absorbent sheet 31 and the top layer 10 are foldedintegrally. The above-mentioned barrier cuffs 40, 40 are formed by theabsorbent sheet 31 and the top layer 10. In other words, the absorbentarticle includes means for attaching the top layer 10 to the liquidretentive member 30 (the absorbent sheet 31). The overlaid structure ofthe absorbent sheet 31 and top sheet 10 may be achieved by attachmentusing an adhesive agent or heat sealing, aside from a simple placementof the top layer 10 upon the absorbent sheet 31. The barrier cuffs 40,40 are located apart from each other and the above-mentioned pocketportion 50 is formed therebetween. The absorbent member 30 (theabsorbent sheet 31) includes means for attaching portions adjacent thebarrier cuffs 40,40 (i.e. portions which are located outside the barriercuffs 40,40) to the back layer 20. The barrier cuffs 40,40 are spacedapart from the back layer 20. The means for attaching the portionsadjacent the barrier cuffs 40, 40 to the back layer 20 includes at leastone of an adhesive agent and heat sealing.

The top layer 10 is extended to a perimeter of the absorbent sheet 31and secured to the back layer 20 at the perimeter of the absorbent sheet31.

The back layer 20 is applied at its outer surface (clothing contactingsurface when the sanitary napkin is worn) with a viscous agent tothereby form two viscous portions 25, 25 in the longitudinal directionof the back layer 20. The viscous portions 25, 25 are each covered witha peelable paper 60. This peelable paper 60 is peeled off immediatelybefore the sanitary napkin 1 is worn, so that the viscous portions 25,25 are exposed. The viscous portions 25, 25, when worn, are adhered tothe clothing in order to prevent slippage of the sanitary napkin 1.

The thickness of sheet 31 is preferably 0.3 mm to 5 mm, more preferably0.3 mm to 3 mm, and most preferably 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm. If the thicknessis less than 0.3 mm, it is difficult to provide the barrier cuffs 40, 40capable of sufficiently exhibiting the effects of the present inventionsuch as improved fitness, and an increased capacity for absorbing a bodyfluid. In addition, the sheet 31 tends to become twisted when folded. Incontrast, if the thickness is more than 5 mm, the rigidity of theabsorbent sheet 31 is overly increased which spoils the fitness. Thus,the desired effect cannot be obtained and the perception of disorder isgiven to the wearer.

The absorbent sheet 31 can be absorbent paper, nonwoven fabric, a pulpsheet made of fibers and a binder, fluff pulp, a sheet obtainable byinterposing a superabsorbent polymer b between a pair of paper ornonwoven fabric a (see FIG. 16), a sheet made of a mixture of a fiber(especially, hydrophilic fiber), a binder and a superabsorbent polymer,and the like. A sheet obtained by admixing a superabsorbent polymer andfiber is preferred for its absorptivity for body fluid. Thesuperabsorbent polymer in such a sheet may be dispersed either in layersor in three dimensions.

The above-described material forming the absorbent sheet 31 preferablyincludes a cellulose fiber, such as wood pulp; a regenerated cellulosefiber, such as viscous rayon and cuprammonium rayon; a synthetichydrophilic fiber, such as polyvinyl alcohol fiber and polyacrylonitrilefiber; and a synthetic fiber with the surface thereof renderedhydrophilic with a surface active agent, etc. such as polyethylenefiber, polypropylene fiber, polyethylene terephthalate fiber,polyethylene/polypropylene conjugate fiber, andpolyethylene/polyethylene terephthalate conjugate fiber. Cellulosefibers are preferred for their satisfactory retention of hydrophilicproperties.

The superabsorbent polymer which can be admixed with the absorbent sheet31 is preferably one capable of absorbing and retaining 20 or more timesas much liquid as its own weight and gelling upon liquid absorption.Such superabsorbent polymers include starch, crosslinkedcarboxymethylated cellulose, polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof, and apolyacrylate graft polymer. The polyacrylate is preferably sodiumpolyacrylate. Acrylic acid copolymers containing a comonomer, such asmaleic acid, itaconic acid, acrylamide,2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid,2-(meth)acryloylethanesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate orstyrenesulfonic acid, in such a proportion that does not impair itsperformance as a superabsorbent polymer, can also be preferably used.

Particularly preferred are superabsorbent polymers capable of absorbingand retaining a large quantity of liquid through ionic osmosis and yethaving no leaks even under pressure, comprising water-insoluble andhydrophilic crosslinked polymer particles which are obtained bypolymerizing acrylic acid or an alkali salt thereof (e.g. sodium orpotassium), etc. followed by crosslinking for water insolubilization.

A preferred absorbent sheet 31 is the one made up of a hydrophilicfiber, a thermally fusible bonding fiber or a strengthening assistant,and a superabsorbent polymer. The superabsorbent polymer is not presenton the absorbent surface of the absorbent sheet for absorbing liquid butdistributed inside the absorbent sheet, and adheres to the hydrophilicfiber constituting the absorbent sheet. The superabsorbent polymer isspread in an amount of 5 to 300 g/m² of the absorbent sheet and theabsorbent sheet has a thickness of 0.3 to 1.5 mm.

A still preferred absorbing sheet 31 is composed of a fibrous structuremade up of bulky hydrophilic fiber and thermally fusible bonding fiberor a strengthening assistant and superabsorbent polymer particles, inwhich the superabsorbent polymer particles do not exist on the absorbingsurface of the absorbent sheet but are dispersed and fixed in the insideof the fibrous structure, and the superabsorbent polymer particles arespread in an amount of 20 to 70 g/m² of the absorbent sheet and theabsorbent sheet has a thickness of 0.3 to 1.5 mm.

In such an absorbent sheet, since a superabsorbent polymer is fixedlydispersed in a single sheet in a three-dimensional pattern, theabsorption ability of the superabsorbent polymer is effectivelyexhibited. Moreover, the gel blocking of the polymer is less.Accordingly, a body fluid tends to pass through the absorbent sheetsmoothly. Thus, the absorbent sheet can advantageously be used in orderto obtain a high absorption ability.

It is preferred that the barrier cuffs 40,40 each are 5 to 35 mm distantfrom the corresponding side edges of the top layer (It is preferred thatthe distance between the barrier cuff 40 and the top layer at thelateral side edge is 5 to 35 mm) If the distance is less than 5 mm, bodyfluid may flow beyond the barrier cuffs 40, 40 and may not be absorbedby the absorbent member and leakage tends to occur sideways. Incontrast, if the distance is more than 35 mm, a distance W₂ between thetwo cuffs 40, 40 (distance from an outer edge of one of the barriercuffs 40, 40 to an outer edge of the other barrier cuff 40) is difficultto be set in a satisfactory manner.

In order for the barrier cuffs 40, 40 not to give the perception ofdisorder to the wearer and in order for the absorbent sheet 31 toexhibit a favorable absorptive capacity of body fluid at the barriercuffs 40, 40, the width W₁ of barrier cuffs 40, 40 are each preferably 5mm to 25 mm. The distance W₂ between the barrier cuffs 40, 40 (distancefrom an outer edge of one of the barrier cuffs 40, 40 to an outer edgeof the other barrier cuff 40) is preferably 20 mm to 70 mm. If thedistance is less than 20 mm, a body fluid discharging portion of thewearer may be difficult to contact the part between the barrier cuffs40, 40, and the body fluid may not be securely led to the pocketporiton. In contrast, if the distance is more than 70 mm, the part ofthe absorbent member 30 outside each of the barrier cuffs 40, 40 becomestoo small to fully absorb the body fluid which flows beyond the barriercuffs 40, 40. The result may be that body fluid tends to leak from theleft and right side edges of the sanitary napkin 1. The barrier cuffs40, 40 are each preferably 1 mm to 10 mm in thickness T. If thethickness T is less than 1 mm, there is the possibility that the leakageof body fluid cannot be effectively avoided. In contrast, if thethickness T is more than 10 mm, the perception of disorder is given tothe wearer.

As the viscous agent for forming the viscous portions 25, 25 and as thepeelable paper 60, any one selected from those which have heretoforebeen used can be selected with no special limitation.

In the sanitary napkin 1 according to this embodiment, the barrier cuffs40, 40 contact the wearer, and body fluid is led to the pocket portion50 located between the barrier cuffs 40, 40, where the body fluid isabsorbed into the absorbent sheet 31 through the top layer 100. Theunabsorbed body fluid deposited in the pocket portion 50 is preventedfrom flowing sideways by the barrier cuffs 40, 40 which function asleakage-preventive walls. Even in the event the body fluid flows overthe barrier cuffs 40, 40 caused by an exceptionally large quantity ofbody fluid or extremely hard motion of the wearer, such body fluid maybe absorbed by the absorbent member 30 located outside the barrier cuffs40, 40.

In this way, according to the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment, bodyfluid is prevented from flowing out and being deposited in the pocketportion 50 owing to the pair of barrier cuffs 40, 40 arranged in thevicinity of the discharging portion when worn. Thus, the leakage of bodyfluid from the left and right side portions of the sanitary napkin 1 canbe avoided even in case of a large quantity of body fluid and even incase of dynamic motion of the wearer.

Further, according to the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment, sincebody fluid which may flow over the barrier cuffs 40, 40 is absorbed atthe outside of the barrier cuffs 40, 40, the leakage of body fluid fromthe left and right side portions of the sanitary napkin 1 can be avoidedeven in case of a large quantity of body fluid and even in case ofdynamic motion of the wearer.

Furthermore, according to the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment,since the barrier cuffs 40, 40 are formed of the absorbent member 30, alarge quantity of body fluid is absorbed also in the barrier cuffs 40,40 and therefore, the leakage of body fluid from the left and rightopposing side portions of the sanitary napkin 1 can effectively beprevented.

According to the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment, since theabsorbent member 30 is the absorbent sheet 31 of 0.3 mm to 5 mm inthickness on the top layer 10, twisting seldom occurs, the perception ofdisorder is not given to the wearer, and a sufficient absorptivecapacity of body fluid is exhibited.

According to the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment, the barrier cuffs40, 40 are formed by folding the absorbent sheet 31 having a thicknessof 0.3 mm to 5 mm and having a thickness equal to at least about 1 mm incombination with the top layer 10. Therefore, it is difficult for thebody fluid to flow over the barrier cuffs 40, 40 and the possibleleakage from the left and right opposing side portions of the sanitarynapkin 1 can effectively be prevented.

According to the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment, the barrier cuffs40, 40 are each formed by folding the absorbent sheet 31 having athickness of 0.3 mm to 5 mm, and can be erected/deformed independentlyof other parts. Therefore, they nicely fit to the contacting portion ofthe wearer. Even if the back layer 20 is twisted together with theclothing, the barrier cuffs 40, 40 are not twisted, therefore, animproved absorptive capacity is ensured.

According to the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment, since the toplayer 10 is folded and overlaid together with the absorbent sheet 31,the barrier cuffs 40, 40 can be more effectively erected/deformedindependently of other parts, a body fluid finds it difficult to migrateto the left and right opposing side portions at the top layer 10 aswell, and thus, the possible leakage of body fluid can be prevented in amore efficient manner.

According to the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment, the barrier cuffs40, 40 are each developed in the longitudinal direction of the sideedges of the sanitary napkin 1 and a recessed part between the barriercuffs 40, 40 nicely fits the discharging portion of the wearer.Accordingly, the leakage preventive function of the barrier cuffs 40, 40and the pocket portion 50 is effectively exhibited.

In order to obtain a favorable formation of each barrier cuff 40, thecentral portion 31 a of the absorbent sheet 31 is preferably bonded tothe back layer (or an auxiliary sheet which may be located below theabsorbent sheet). It is also preferred that the inside of the barriercuff 40 obtained by folding back the absorbent sheet 31 is fixed by anadhesive or the like. On the other hand, in order to enhance thesoftness and deformation of the barrier cuff 40, the central part 31 aof the absorbent sheet 31 is not fixed and the inside of the barriercuff 40 is not fixed by adhesive. In accordance with the purposes, thefixing state of each part can be selected.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of a sanitarynapkin according to the absorbent article of the present invention, andFIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line V—V of FIG. 3 and viewed ina direction as indicated by arrows. In this embodiment, those membersidentical with the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted byidentical reference numerals, with the description thereof beingomitted.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in a sanitary napkin 2 of this embodiment, apair of elastic members 70, 70 are provided inside side edges of thebarrier cuffs 40, 40 located along the longitudinal direction of thebarrier cuffs 40, 40 such that the barrier cuffs 40, 40 are shrunk alongthe longitudinal direction thereof over a prescribed length.

This embodiment is now described in more detail. In this embodiment, theelastic members 70, 70 are, in their expanded states, fixedly secured atthe folded portions between the central portion 31 a and the sideportions 31 b, 31 b of the absorbent sheet 31, approximately over theentire length from the side of a back layer 20. By the shrinkage of theelastic members 70, 70, the folded portions are projected in the upwarddirection.

As the elastic members 70, 70, a film, fiber, a foamed body and the likecomposed of a polymer of a number of rubbers, such as polyurethanes,polybutadiene, isoprene and the like, ethylene-vinyl acetate, and anumber of polyolefins having extensibility can be used. In order toexhibit a favorable effect without degrading the comfortable wearingperception, the elastic members 70, 70 are preferably 10 gf to 300 gf instress at 30% expansion.

The elastic members 70, 70 are not particularly limited in position andlength for arrangement. However, in order to bend the barrier cuffs 40,40 such that they favorably comply with the wearer, the elastic members70, 70 are preferably arranged over a length of 15% to 90% of the entirelongitudinal length of the sanitary napkin 2.

All the construction other than the arrangement of the elastic members70, 70 of this embodiment is the same as the afore-mentioned firstembodiment.

The absorbent sheet 31 is preferably 0.3 mm to 5 mm in thickness, morepreferably 0.3 mm to 3 mm, and most preferably 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm as inthe afore-mentioned first embodiment. Those sheets usable as theabsorbent sheet 31, preferred sheets and material thereof are also thesame as in the afore-mentioned first embodiment.

The sanitary napkin 2 of this embodiment can also provide the samefunction and effect as in the first embodiment.

According to the sanitary napkin 2 of this embodiment, since the barriercuffs 40, 40 each include an absorbent sheet 31 having a thickness of0.3 mm to 5 mm, the elastic members 70, 70 can easily be secured to theinside of the barrier cuffs 40, 40.

According to the sanitary napkin 2 of this embodiment in particular, theabsorbent sheet 31 is shrunk by the elastic member 70,70 over aprescribed length in the longitudinal direction, so that the sanitarynapkin 2 is bent, as shown in FIG. 4, in the longitudinal direction insuch a way as to comply with contacting part of the weaer, and thebarrier cuffs 40, 40 are held in their upstanding postures on thewearer's skin side. Thus, since a more highly three-dimensional and morenicely fitting pocket 50 is formed, a possible leakage of body fluid canmore effectively be prevented.

According to the sanitary napkin 2 of this embodiment, since the elasticmembers 70, 70 are secured to the thin absorbent sheet 31, thefrill-like irregularities formed at the barrier cuffs 40, 40 byshrinkage of the elastic members 70, 70 are comparatively small. Also,the good touch to the wearer's skin is hardly degraded on the side ofthe top layer 10, and comfortable wearing is maintained.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the firstembodiment, showing a sanitary napkin as the third embodiment of anabsorbent article of the present invention. In this embodiment, thosemembers identical with the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 are denotedby identical reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, in a sanitary napkin 3 of this embodiment, sideportions 32 b,32 b of an absorbent sheet 32 are folded inwardly to theside of the back layer 20 at the left and right opposing side edges ofthe central portion 32 a and then folded back outwardly to form anoverlaid configuration at the left and right opposing side portions ofthe central portion 32 a. A pair of folded portions thus formed arearranged opposite and proximate to each other on the back layer 20 sideof the central portion 32 a. The barrier cuffs 40, 40 are continuouslyformed. The central portion 32 a is folded in such a way as to form aconvex configuration on the back layer side, thereby forming a pocketportion 51 having a V-shape in sectional view. The capacity of thepocket portion 51 is smaller than that in the first embodiment.

All the construction other than the folded form of the absorbent sheet32 and the pocket portion 51 of this embodiment is the same as theaforementioned first embodiment.

The absorbent sheet 32 is preferably 0.3 mm to 5 mm in thickness, morepreferably 0.3 mm to 3 mm, and most preferably 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm as inthe afore-mentioned first embodiment. Those sheets usable as theabsorbent sheet 31, preferred sheets and material thereof are also thesame as in the afore-mentioned first embodiment. The distance W₂ betweenthe barrier cuffs 40, 40 is preferably 20 mm to 70 mm and the thicknessT of the barrier cuffs 40, 40 is preferably 1 mm to 10 mm as in thefirst embodiment.

The sanitary napkin 3 of this embodiment can also provide the samefunction and effect as in the first embodiment.

According to the sanitary napkin 3 of this embodiment, the barrier cuffs40, 40 are each developed in the longitudinal direction of the sideedges of the sanitary napkin 3 and a recessed part between the barriercuffs 40, 40 nicely fits the discharging portion of the wearer.Accordingly, the leakage preventive function of the barrier cuffs 40, 40and the pocket portion 50 is remarkably effectively exhibited.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the firstembodiment, showing a sanitary napkin as the fourth embodiment of anabsorbent article of the present invention. In this embodiment, thosemembers identical with the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 are denotedby identical reference numerals, with the description thereof beingomitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the sanitary napkin 4 of this embodiment, theabsorbent member 30 consists of a lower-layer absorbent pad 33, andupper-layer absorbent pads 34, 34. The lower-layer absorbent pad 33 isof a plate-like configuration extending from the vicinity of one of theopposing side edges of the back layer 20 to the vicinity of the otherside edge, while the upper-layer absorbent pads 34, 34 are each like arod with rectangular configuration in vertical sectional view. Theupper-layer absorbent pads 34, 34 are located away from each other onone surface of the lower-layer absorbent pad 33 in the longitudinaldirection of the sanitary napkin 4. The parts of aforementioned surfaceof the lower-layer absorbent pad 33 and the surfaces of the upper-layerabsorbent pads 34, 34, which are exposed without contacting each other,are lapped with the top layer 10. Thus, the barrier cuffs 40, 40 areformed by the upper-layer pads 34, 34 and the top layer 10. In otherwords, the absorbent member 30 includes two pads (upper-layer absorbentpads 34,34) supported by a planar pad (lower-layer absorbent pad 33),each pad supports the top layer 10 so that the two pads form the barriercuffs 40,40.

As the lower-layer absorbent pad 33 and upper-layer absorbent pads 34,34, those, which have heretofore been used, can be used without anyparticular limitation.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that theabsorbent member 30 consists of the lower-layer absorbent pad 33 and theupper layer absorbent pads 34, 34 and the covering state of theabsorbent member 30 with the top layer 10 is different.

The barrier cuffs 40, 40 are each preferably 5 mm to 25 mm in width W₁.The distance W₂ between the barrier cuffs 40, 40 is preferably 20 mm to70 mm and the thickness T of the barrier cuffs 40, 40 is preferably 1 mmto 10 mm as in the first embodiment.

The sanitary napkin 4 of this embodiment can also provide the samefunction and effect as the sanitary napkin 1 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the firstembodiment, showing a sanitary napkin as the fifth embodiment of anabsorbent article of the present invention. In this embodiment, thosemembers identical with the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 are denotedby identical reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the sanitary napkin 5 of this embodiment, theentire surface of the absorbent sheet 31 is not overlaid on the topsurface 10 and only the surface of the folded absorbent sheet 31, whichsurface is exposed without being folded, is overlaid on the top layer10. In other words, the absorbent member 30 includes the absorbent sheet31, the absorbent sheet 31 is folded in an overlapping serpentineconfiguration, the serpentine configuration includes curved portions 31d,31 d spaced apart from planar portions 31 c,31 c of the sheet, the toplayer 10 covers the serpentine configuration so that the curved portions31 d,31 d and planar portions 3.1 c,31 c of the absorbent sheet andportions of the top layer 10 form enclosed volumes of empty space.

All the construction other than the arrangement form of the top layer 10of this embodiment is the same as the aforementioned first embodiment.

The absorbent sheet 31 is preferably 0.3 mm to 5 mm in thickness, morepreferably 0.3 mm to 3 mm, and most preferably 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm as inthe afore-mentioned first embodiment. Those sheets usable as theabsorbent sheet 31, preferred sheets and material thereof are also thesame as in the afore-mentioned first embodiment. The barrier cuffs 40,40 are preferably 5 mm to 25 mm in width W₁. The distance W₂ between thebarrier cuffs 40, 40 is preferably 20 mm to 70 mm and the thickness T ofthe barrier cuffs 40, 40 is preferably 1 mm to 10 mm as in the firstembodiment.

The sanitary napkin 5 of this embodiment can also provide the samefunction and effect as in the first embodiment.

According to the sanitary napkin 5 of this embodiment, the barrier cuffs40, 40 are each developed in the longitudinal direction of the sideedges of the sanitary napkin 5 and therefore, an inner side wall of thepocket portion 50 forms a rounded recess between the barrier cuffs 40,40, which nicely fits the discharging portion of the wearer.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 2 of the firstembodiment, showing a sanitary napkin as the sixth embodiment of anabsorbent article of the present invention. In this embodiment, thosemembers identical with the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 are denotedby identical reference numerals, with the description thereof beingomitted.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the sanitary napkin 6 of this embodiment, thesanitary napkin 6 has a projecting portion 80 between the barrier cuffs40,40 and on the skin contacting surface side of the pocket portion 50along the longitudinal direction of the barrier cuffs 40, 40.

The projecting portion 80 is obtained by overlaying an absorbent body 81on the central portion of the absorbent sheet and covering the absorbentsheet and the absorbent body 81 with the top layer from above. In otherwords, the absorbent member 30 includes the absorbent sheet 31supporting an absorbent pad (absorbent body 81), the absorbent pad isdisposed between the barrier cuffs 40,40, the absorbent sheet 31 isdisposed between the absorbent pad and the back layer 20.

The projecting portion 80 is preferably 2 mm to 30 mm in thickness T′and 10 mm to 45 mm in width W′ so that it nicely fits to the wearer'scrotch portion.

The absorbent body 81 may be a folded absorbent sheet with anappropriate thickness by folding a sheet material which forms absorbentsheet 31, or be an absorbent pad.

The sanitary napkin 6 of this embodiment can provide, in addition to thesame function and effect as in the first embodiment, an advantage inthat leakage can be more effectively prevented, because the projectingportion 80 contacts the wearer's crotch portion and body fluid isabsorbed directly by the projecting portion 80. Moreover, since thecentral portion in the longitudinal direction is rigidly increased bythe projecting portion 80, twisting can be prevented. Furthermore, sincethe projecting portion 80 includes the absorbent body 81, higherabsorption performance can be exhibited, which also serves to preventleakage of body fluids in a more efficient manner.

The present invention should not be limited to the above-mentionedembodiments. The specific shape, dimension, etc. of each member canappropriately be modified without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

For example, it is also acceptable that, in the above respectiveembodiments, that an auxiliary sheet, which consists of the sheetidentical to the absorbent sheet 31,32, be provided on the back layer 20side of the absorbent sheet 31,32 or the lower layer absorbent pad 33,so that the absorptive capacity should be increased in the vicinity ofthe back layer 20. This auxiliary sheet can be extended outside theabsorbent sheet 31, 32.

In the above respective embodiments, the absorbent sheet 31 is obtainedby folding side portions 31 b, 31 b, 32 b, 32 b of the sheet, whichconsists of the central portion 31 a and side portions 31 b, 31 bconnected to the opposing sides of the central portion 31 a, to the toplayer 10 side of the central portions 31 a, 32 a.

As such a sanitary napkin, FIG. 9 shows a sanitary napkin 1′ which isprovided with an absorbent sheet 31′ in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1and 2, the side portions 31 b, 31 b and the absorbent sheet 31′ arefolded inwardly at the left and right opposing side edges of the centralportion 31 a and overlaid on the top layer 10 on the left and rightopposing side portions of the central portion 31 a, and thereafter,folded back again so as to extend outward the central portion 31 a, andthe free edge portions of the respective side portions 31 b, 31 b arearranged in the vicinity of the left and right opposing side edges ofthe top layer 10. In the sanitary napkin 1′ shown in FIG. 9, theabsorbent member 30 includes the absorbent sheet 31, the absorbent sheet31 is folded in the overlapping serpentine configuration 31 e,31 e, eachbarrier cuff 40 includes portions of the serpentine configuration 31e,31 e that are disposed within the pocket portion 50 and curvednon-overlapping portions 31 f,31 f which are disposed outside the pocketportion 50.

In each of the above embodiments, the absorbent sheets 31, 32 may befolded again inwardly from the vicinity of the side edges of the backlayer 20 and overlaid one upon another, the sheets 31, 32 can providethe same effect as the aforementioned auxiliary sheet.

In each of the above embodiments, the side portions 31 b, 31 b, 32 b, 32b of the absorbent sheets 31, 32 may be more folded and overlaid oneupon another than done in the above embodiments, so that the barriercuffs 40, 40 each have more multilayer structures.

In each of the above embodiments, the multilayered structure of thebarrier cuffs 40, 40 may be formed by a plurality of absorbent sheets.In case of this arrangement, the absorbent sheets may be simplyoverlaid, adhered under pressure over their opposing entire surfaces toeach other or partial surfaces by adhesive agent or the like.

In each of the above embodiments, it is also acceptable that the sideedge portions of the back layer 20 are extended on the outward side ofthe absorbent member 30 to form leakage-preventive walls. Alternatively,leakage-preventive materials having liquid-impermeable properties can bearranged so that possible leakage of body fluid is more reliablyprevented. The leakage-preventive walls and the leakage-preventivematerials may be disposed between the absorbent member 30 and the toplayer 10, or they may be arranged outward the top layer 10. In thesecases, by covering the outside of the absorbent article with theliquid-impermeable material, by, for example, arranging the side edgeportions of the back layer 20 outward the top layer 10, the barriercuffs 40, 40 can more effectively prevent the oozing and side-leakage ofbody fluid from the absorbent member 30.

When the leakage-preventive walls and leakage-preventive materials arearranged by firmly attaching the top layer 10 and the leakage-preventivewalls, or the leakage-preventive materials to the back layer 20 by heatfusion bonding at the perimeter of the absorbent member 30, theleakage-preventive walls or the leakage-preventive materials are held intheir slightly erected postures so that a more favorable effect can beobtained. FIG. 2 shows one example, in which the leakage-preventivewalls 20′, 20′ are obtained by extending the side edge portions of theback layer 20 of the first embodiment and arranging outward the toplayer 10, as indicated by a dotted line of FIG. 2.

In the second embodiment, a liquid-shrinkable member capable ofshrinking by absorbing liquid may be used as the elastic members 70, 70.

In the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, in the second embodiment ofFIGS. 3 and 4, and in the third embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, theabsorbent sheets 31, 32 and the top layers 10 may be formed into asingle sheet.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the fourth embodiment, an absorbent pad 35 witha barrier cuff, in which the lower-layer absorbent pad 33 and theupper-layer absorbent pads 34, 34 are integrally formed, may be used asthe absorbent member 30. That is, in the sanitary napkin 4′ shown inFIG. 10, the absorbent member 30 includes a planar pad (lower-layerabsorbent pad 33) with integrally formed pad projections (upper-layerabsorbent pads 34,34) extending from the planar pad, the projectionsform the barrier cuffs 40,40.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the fourth embodiment, the top layer 10 may beinterposed between the lower-layer absorbent pad 33 and the upper-layerabsorbent pads 34, 34 in such a manner that the barrier cuffs 40, 40 canbe erected and deformed more independently of other parts. Owing to thisarrangement, the barrier cuffs 40, 40 can more nicely fit to thecontacting portion of the wearer. That is, in the sanitary napkin 4″shown in FIG. 11, the absorbent member 30 includes two pads (upper-layerabsorbent pads 34,34) and a planar pad, (lower-layer absorbent pad 33),each pad is substantially enclosed by the top layer 10 so that the twopads form the barrier cuffs 40,40, the top layer substantially spacesthe two pads from the planar pad.

Also, by securing a separate body having a pair of barrier cuffs and apocket therebetween to the skin contacting surface side of the top layerof the conventional sanitary napkin, the barrier cuffs and the pocketportion as in each of the above embodiments can be formed. FIG. 12 showsone example, in which a separate body 90 having a pair of barrier cuffs40′, 40′ and a pocket portion 50′ therebetween is secured to the skincontacting side of the top layer 10′ so as to realize the same sanitarynapkin 2′ as in the second embodiment. The barrier cuffs 40′, 40′ can beformed of a single sheet consisting of the absorbent sheet and the topsheet.

That is, the sanitary napkin 2′ shown in FIG. 12 comprises:

-   -   the first liquid-permeable top layer 10;    -   the liquid impermeable back layer 20,    -   the first liquid retentive absorbent member 30 interposed        between the first liquid-permeable top layer 10 and the liquid        impermeable back layer 20,    -   the second liquid-permeable top layer 10′; and    -   the second liquid retentive absorbent member 30′ interposed        between the second liquid-permeable top layer 10′ and the first        liquid-permeable top layer 10; the second liquid retentive        absorbent member including an opposing pair of barrier cuffs        40′,40′ which are within longitudinal edges of the first        liquid-retentive top layer 10 and extend along longitudinal        edges of the first liquid-retentive top payer 10, and the pocket        portion 50 formed between the pair of barrier cuffs 40′,40′.

The barrier cuffs are each preferably 1 mm to 30 mm in thickness T whenworn (including the states that the barrier cuffs are slightlyerected/deformed by absorption of body fluid and that the barrier cuffsare erected by the elastic members).

The overlaid configuration of the absorbent sheet, the covering fashionof the absorbent sheet with the top layer, presence or absence of theelastic members, presence or absence of the projecting portion, etc. canbe selectively employed in each of the above embodiments. It is alsopreferable to interpose a sheet, such as a mount and a non-woven fabric,between the top layer and the absorbent sheet. Owing to thisarrangement, the absorption performance can be enhanced.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the third embodiment of FIG. 5 may bearranged such that only the exposed surface, which is not folded, of thefolded absorbent sheet 31 is overlaid on the top layer 10, instead ofthe entire surface of the absorbent sheet 31 being overlaid. As is inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the pocket portion 50 has a crosssection which is substantially V-shaped.

An embodiment whose cross section corresponding to FIG. 2 has aconfiguration shown in FIG. 14 is another embodiment of the absorbentarticle of the present invention.

The sanitary napkin 6′ shown in FIG. 14 comprises:

-   -   the first liquid-permeable top layer 10;    -   the liquid impermeable back layer 20;    -   the first liquid retentive absorbent member 30 interposed        between the first liquid-permeable top layer 10 and the liquid        impermeable back layer 20;    -   the second liquid-permeable top layer 10′;    -   the second liquid retentive absorbent member 30′ is enclosed by        the second liquid-permeable top layer 10′, the second liquid        retentive absorbent member includes a pad (absorbent sheet 31′)        and an auxiliary pad (absorbent body 81′), the second liquid        retentive absorbent member including an opposing pair of barrier        cuffs 40,40 which are within longitudinal edges of the first        liquid retentive top layer 10 and extend along longitudinal        edges of the first liquid retentive top layer 10, and the pocket        portion 50 formed between the pair of barrier cuffs 40,40, and        means 91,91 for securing the first liquid-permeable top layer 10        to the second liquid-permeable top layer 10′.

In the sanitary napkin 6′ shown in FIG. 14, a separate body 90′ having apocket portion 50 between the pair of barrier cuffs 40, 40 is secured tothe skin contacting surface side of the top layer of the sanitary napkin6′ by an adhesive agent. The absorbent sheet 31′ of the separate body90′ are is not overlaid in the barrier cuffs 40, 40, and the elasticmembers 70, 70 are each located outward the absorbent sheet 31′. Aprojecting portion 80′ is obtained by interposing a conventionalabsorbent body 81′ comprising a mount, a nonwoven fabric, a pulp, aliquid-absorbent polymer and the like, between the absorbent sheet 31′of the separate body 90′ and the top layer 10′. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 14, the same explanation as given in the above-mentionedembodiments is applicable to the constitution and composing materials towhich the specific explanation has not been given.

Also, as shown in FIG. 14, a separate body 90′ having a pocket portion50 between the pair of barrier cuffs 40,40 is secured to theskin-contacting surface side of the top layer of the conventionalsanitary napkin by means 91,91 which is an adhesive agent or the like.

Furthermore, the fourth embodiment of FIG. 6, the fifth embodiment ofFIG. 7 and the sixth embodiment of FIG. 8, and so forth, may include thesame elastic members 70 as in the second embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4.For example, FIG. 15 illustrates the sixth embodiment, which includeselastic members 70.

The absorbent article may be those other than the sanitary napkin, suchas an incontinent pad and a breast-feeding pad.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described hereinbefore, according to the absorbent article of thepresent invention, the possible leakage of body fluid can effectively beprevented from the left and right opposing side portions of theabsorbent article irrespective of the quantity of body fluid and themotion of the wearer because body fluid is prohibited to flow out by apair of barrier cuffs arranged in the vicinity of the dischargingportion when worn and by the pocket portion, and body fluid, whichhappens to flow over the barrier cuffs, is also absorbed outward thebarrier cuffs.

Further, according to the absorbent article of the present invention,since the barrier cuffs are each formed of the absorbent member, a largequantity of body fluid is also absorbed at the barrier cuffs. Thus, thepossible leakage of body fluid can effectively be prevented from theleft and right opposing side portions of the absorbent article.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same maybe varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all suchmodifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intendedto be included within the scope of the following claims.

1. An absorbent article comprising: a liquid-permeable top layer; aliquid-impermeable back layer; a liquid retentive absorbent member,interposed entirely between said top layer and said back layer, saidabsorbent member being arranged to form (a) an opposing pair of barriercuffs which are within longitudinal edges of said top layer and extendalong the longitudinal edges, said absorbent member comprising anabsorbent sheet, said pair of barrier cuffs being formed by integrallyfolding only the absorbent sheet and said top layer, and (b) a pocketportion formed between said pair of barrier cuffs; and a projectingportion located between said barrier cuffs on a skin contactable surfaceside of said pocket portion along the longitudinal direction of saidbarrier cuffs, said projecting portion being formed by an absorbent pad,and wherein said absorbent sheet has a thickness of 0.3 mm to 5 mm. 2.The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said barrier cuffsare 1 mm to 10 mm in thickness.
 3. The absorbent article according toclaim 1, wherein said barrier cuffs are arranged away from each other,and elastic members are provided at inward side edges of said barriercuffs located along the longitudinal direction of said barrier cuffssuch that said barrier cuffs are shrunk along the longitudinal directionof said barrier cuffs over a prescribed length.
 4. The absorbent articleaccording to claim 1, wherein said absorbent sheet of said barrier cuffsis folded in an overlapping, serpentine configuration.
 5. The absorbentarticle according to claim 1, wherein said absorbent sheet comprises asuperabsorbent polymer interposed between a pair of papers, nonwovenfabrics or a combination thereof, or an admixture of a hydrophilicfiber, a superabsorbent polymer and a binder, wherein the admixture isin a sheet-like shape.
 6. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein saidabsorbent member includes means for bonding portions adjacent to saidbarrier cuffs to said back layer, and said barrier cuffs are spacedapart from said back layer.
 7. The absorbent article of claim 6, whereinsaid means for bonding portions adjacent to said barrier cuffs to saidback layer includes the application of at least one of an adhesive agentand heat sealing agent between the portion adjacent to said barrier cuffand said back layer.
 8. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein saidabsorbent article includes means for bonding said top layer to saidliquid retentive absorbent member.
 9. The absorbent article of claim 8,wherein said means for bonding said top layer to said liquid retentivemember includes the application of at least one of an adhesive agent andheat sealing agent between said top layer and said liquid retentivelayer.
 10. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein said absorbentsheet supports said absorbent pad, and said absorbent sheet is disposedbetween said absorbent pad and said back layer.
 11. The absorbentarticle according to claim 1, wherein said barrier cuffs are located ata spaced location from longitudinal edges of said absorbent member. 12.The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said absorbentmember does not extend to the longitudinal edges of said top layer. 13.An absorbent article comprising: a first liquid-permeable top layer; aliquid impermeable back layer; a first liquid retentive absorbent memberinterposed entirely between said first liquid-permeable top layer andsaid liquid impermeable back layer; a second liquid-permeable top layer;a second liquid retentive absorbent member interposed between saidsecond liquid-permeable top layer and said first liquid-permeable toplayer, said second liquid retentive absorbent member including anopposing pair of barrier cuffs which are within longitudinal edges ofsaid first liquid-permeable top layer and extend along longitudinaledges of said first liquid-permeable top layer, said absorbent membercomprising an absorbent sheet, said pair of barrier cuffs being formedby integrally folding only the absorbent sheet and said second liquidpermeable top sheet, and a pocket portion is formed between said pair ofbarrier cuffs; and a projecting portion located between said barriercuffs on a skin contactable surface side of said pocket portion alongthe longitudinal direction of said barrier cuffs.
 14. The absorbentarticle according to claim 13, wherein said barrier cuffs are located ata spaced location from longitudinal edges of said first absorbentmember.
 15. The absorbent article according to claim 13, wherein saidsecond absorbent member does not extend to the longitudinal edges ofsaid first top layer.
 16. An absorbent article comprising: a firstliquid-permeable top layer; a liquid impermeable back layer; a firstliquid retentive absorbent member interposed entirely between said firstliquid-permeable top layer and said liquid impermeable back layer; asecond liquid-permeable top layer; a second liquid retentive absorbentmember enclosed by said second liquid-permeable top layer, said secondliquid retentive absorbent member includes a pad and an auxiliary pad,said second liquid retentive absorbent member including an opposing pairof barrier cuffs which are within longitudinal edges of said firstliquid-permeable top layer and extend along longitudinal edges of saidfirst liquid-permeable top layer, said pair of barrier cuffs beingformed by integrally folding only said pad and said secondliquid-permeable top sheet, and a pocket portion is formed between saidpair of barrier cuffs; means for securing said second liquid-permeabletop layer to said first liquid-permeable top layer; and a projectingportion located between said barrier cuffs on a skin contactable surfaceside of said pocket portion along the longitudinal direction of saidbarrier cuffs, said projecting portion being formed by said auxiliarypad.
 17. The absorbent article according to claim 16, wherein saidbarrier cuffs are located at a spaced location from longitudinal edgesof said first absorbent member.
 18. The absorbent article according toclaim 16, wherein said second absorbent member does not extend to thelongitudinal edges of said first top layer.